Attractions: People are drawn to the aloha spirit, ethnic
diversity, and a live-and-let-live attitude that tolerates
wide-ranging lifestyles. The art scene is vibrant, and the island
boasts Seabury Hall, one of the top college-prep schools in the
United States. Entrepreneurialism is encouraged.

Drawbacks: Conflict among development, environmental, and
indigenous Hawaiian interests affects housing options, local
politics, and, sometimes, friendships. Maui's few roads mean
traffic tie-ups are common. With the decline of once-thriving sugar
and pineapple industries, job-changers will find little outside of
service work that supports tourism. Starry-eyed vacationers often
move here without enough research; 79 percent leave within 16
months, according to the chamber of commerce.

Housing Options: Five regions dominate, with contrasting
climates and ways of life: West Maui, South Maui, Central Maui,
Upcountry, and East Maui. Newcomers may want to rent in two or
three locations to check out the best fit.

Your Next-door Neighbors: In the traditional Hawaiian way,
three generations of family may occupy a single house. Living side
by side may be a retired heart surgeon from the mainland, a deli
shop owner, a travel guide, a waiter, and a windsurfing-equipment
heir. Many artists, designers, writers, and, increasingly,
technology wizards work from their homes.

What It Costs: There's a "paradise tax" when enjoying life
thousands of miles from industrial manufacturing. According to the
chamber of commerce, it takes 30 percent more income on Maui to
duplicate a mainland lifestyle. A two-bedroom Kihei Village condo
might run $124,900, while a six-bedroom Lahaina beachfront can
tally $4.5million. In between, $200,000 can buy a Makawao
fixer-upper.